The Amey Theatre, Abingdon School, Abingdon
Based on HG Wells novel "Kipps", Half a Sixpence was
written as a star vehicle for Tommy Steele in 1963. It is the
story of Arthur Kipps, a Folkestone draper's apprentice, who rises
from rags to riches overnight, leaving behind his childhood sweetheart
for the pleasures and politeness of Edwardian high society. He
finds that whilst money can buy position in society, true acceptance
depends on pronouncing your 'aitches' and holding your fork correctly.
On losing his fortune, he regains the acceptance of his apprentice
friends and the love of Ann, reuniting the two halves of the sixpence
they shared as a love token.
The show remains as popular as ever, with its lively script charting Kipps' roller-coaster ride through the class system of the era, and its well-loved songs, If I Had Money To Burn, If the Rain's Got To Fall, Flash Bang Wallop! What A Picture, and, of course, Half A Sixpence.
Book by Beverley Cross. Music and Lyrics by David Heneker.
Original production by Harold Fielding at the Cambridge Theatre,
London. It opened on 21st March 1963 with Tommy Steele as "Kipps",
and ran for 677 performances.
By arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd.
Production Team
Director : Janet Bishop
Musical Director: Chris Payne
Choreographer: Jo Cook
